Tutogen Medical Inc. And Regeneration Technologies Inc. Enter Strategic Tissue Sourcing Relationship
ALACHUA, Fla., Nov. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Tutogen Medical, Inc. , a leading manufacturer of sterile biological implant products made from human (allograft) and animal (xenograft) tissue, and Regeneration Technologies, Inc. (RTI) , the Florida-based processor of orthopedic, cardiovascular and other biologic implants, announced today that the companies have entered into mutual sourcing agreements.
Under the terms of the new agreements, RTI will have first right of refusal to all soft tissue used in sports medicine surgeries recovered by Tutogen's recovery partners. Tutogen, in turn, will have first right of refusal to all dermis, fascia and pericardium recovered by RTI Donor Services agencies. The agreements are in effect immediately. The companies will also explore other areas of future cooperation on sourcing activities to maximize each gift of donated tissue and to offer patients the best biologic alternatives.
"We are excited about this new sourcing agreement with Tutogen Medical," said Brian K. Hutchison, RTI's chairman, president and CEO. "The soft tissue we receive from Tutogen will help us meet the high demand for RTI's sterilized sports medicine implants. In turn, Tutogen will be better able to meet the demand for their dental, urological, hernia and aesthetics implants."
Guy Mayer, CEO of Tutogen, said: "This new agreement is significant in assuring full use of these donated tissues for our patients and in assuring our ability to meet the expanding demands of our partners for our entry into the important hernia repair and aesthetics markets."
"This is a very positive development for all involved," continued Mr. Mayer. "The generosity of our tissue donors will be treated with the greatest of care and respect in helping as many people in need as possible to achieve enhanced medical outcomes and improved quality of life. Both organizations are dedicated to accomplishing that mission."
About Regeneration Technologies, Inc.
RTI processes allograft and xenograft tissue into shaped implants for use in orthopedic, cardiovascular and other surgeries with a commitment to science, safety and innovation.
RTI also holds the patents on BioCleanse(R), the only proven tissue sterilization process validated to eliminate viruses, bacteria, fungi and spores from tissue without impacting the structural or biomechanical integrity of the tissue. The company has distributed more than half a million allograft implants sterilized with the BioCleanse process with zero incidence of infection. RTI is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks and was named a 2004 Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum.
Except for historical information, any statements made in this press release about the company's anticipated financial results, future operational results, regulatory approvals or changes to the company's agreements with its distributors are forward-looking statements subject to risks and uncertainties, such as those described in the company's public filings on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results reflected in these forward-looking statements. Copies of the company's SEC filings may be obtained by contacting the company or the SEC or by visiting RTI's web site at www.rtix.com or the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov.
About Tutogen Medical, Inc.
Tutogen Medical, Inc. manufactures sterile biological implant products made from human (allograft) and animal (xenograft) tissue. Tutogen utilizes its Tutoplast Process(R) of tissue preservation and viral inactivation to manufacture and deliver sterile bio-implants used in spinal/trauma, urology, dental, ophthalmology, and general surgery procedures. The Company's Tutoplast(R) products are sold and distributed worldwide by Zimmer Spine and Zimmer Dental, subsidiaries of Zimmer Holdings, Inc., Davol Inc. subsidiary of C.R. Bard Inc., the Mentor Corporation (Mentor), Coloplast Corp., IOP, Inc. and through independent distributors internationally. For more information, visit the Company's Web site at http://www.tutogen.com.
Forward-Looking Statement Disclaimer: This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements typically are identified by use of terms such as "may," "will," "should," "plan," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth or implied by forward-looking statements. These and other risks are identified in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005, as amended. All information in this press release is as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no duty to update this information unless required by law.
Contacts: L. Robert Johnston, Jr. Chief Financial Officer Tutogen Medical, Inc. 386-462-0402 bjohnston@tutogen.com Lytham Partners, LLC Joe Diaz Joe Dorame Robert Blum 602-889-9700
Tutogen Medical, Inc.CONTACT: L. Robert Johnston, Jr., Chief Financial Officer of TutogenMedical, Inc., +1-386-462-0402, bjohnston@tutogen.com; or Joe Diaz, JoeDorame, or Robert Blum, all of Lytham Partners, LLC, +1-602-889-9700, forTutogen Medical, Inc.